August 06, 2006	Sunday	Rajab 10, 1427

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 5: A meeting presided over by federal minister for water and power Liaquat Ali Jatoi here on Saturday expressed concerns over the flood relief plans of the federal capital and Rawalpindi, where at least 24 people were killed during Friday rains.

Sources told Dawn that the meeting was informed that in Rawalpindi 57 families from areas located on the banks of Nullah Leh had so far been shifted to relief camps.

However, the meeting stressed that the arrangements were not proper and that a large number of people were not willing to shift to camps due to lack of proper facilities.

The participants also criticised the early warning system and the inability of the authorities concerned to stop the people from going very near to various streams in Rawalpindi city and adjacent areas, where water level has reached an alarming level.

The meeting was told that the sewerage and drainage system of Rawalpindi had almost collapsed and rainwater from the street drains entered into houses in almost every part of the city except a few locations where elite class lived and parts of the areas under the Rawalpindi Cantonment Board.

Officials of the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda), Federal Flood Commission (FFC) and Indus Water River System Authority (Irsa) attended the meeting which also reviewed mega hydel projects.

Mr Jatoi directed the FFC and Wapda to coordinate with provincial governments and strictly monitor the flood situation in the country round the clock to meet any emergency situation.

He also directed the departments concerned to remain more vigilant during the season and put in place effective flood management plans.

The minister said it had been brought to his notice that 15 villages in district Badin were inundated by water while there was no official aid or relief available for the affected people.